Breath laser could one day ID illness

February 20, 2008 2:05:20 PM PST

Our breath may one day reveal more than what we had for lunch.

Scientists at the University of Colorado-Boulder say, by using a laser, they found a way to test our breath for biomarkers for diseases such as asthma and cancer. The laser bounces light off of specific molecules associated with illnesses.

Researchers say the technique looks very promising and could result in cheaper health care screenings that are less invasive, faster and more reliable.

The new system has not been tested in clinical trails, but officials at the university say they are already getting calls from entrepreneurs looking to get in on this technology at the ground level.